7 Critical Updates On The Evansville Indiana Police Department: New Chief, 2025 Salary, And Major Initiatives

The Evansville Indiana Police Department (EPD) is undergoing a period of significant updates and strategic shifts, with a focus on enhancing community engagement and modernizing its operational structure. As of December 2025, the department is actively recruiting new officers, implementing new community-focused programs, and operating under new leadership following a major announcement by Mayor Stephanie Terry. These changes are designed to improve public safety across the city and strengthen the bond between law enforcement and Evansville's diverse neighborhoods.

This comprehensive overview details the most recent and critical information about the EPD, from its leadership profile and competitive 2025 salary structure to its specialized divisions and high-impact community outreach efforts, providing a fresh perspective on the force protecting Vanderburgh County.

Meet the Leadership: Chief Philip Smith Biography and Vision

The Evansville Police Department is currently led by Chief of Police Philip Smith, who was recently appointed to the role by Mayor Stephanie Terry.

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• Start Date: Chief Smith began his service with the Evansville Police Department in January 2013.
• Career Progression: His career at the EPD has included serving as an officer in motor patrol for four years.
• Leadership Roles: Prior to his appointment as Chief, Smith served as the Assistant Chief since 2021.
• Notable Recognition: In 2020, he was honored with the Attorney General’s Award, recognizing his dedication and service.
• Vision: As Chief, his plan is to continue the department's core mission to protect and serve the community while actively exploring new ideas and strategies to enhance public safety and trust.

Chief Smith’s tenure represents a commitment to both traditional policing methods and progressive community-focused initiatives. He works closely with city officials, including Mayor Terry, and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) to ensure the department is well-supported and effective.

EPD Recruitment and the Competitive 2025 Officer Salary

The Evansville Police Department is currently engaged in a major recruitment drive, seeking to fill numerous open positions. This effort is supported by a highly competitive and recently increased salary structure, making the EPD an attractive career option in Southwest Indiana.

2025 Salary and Benefits Overview

The financial compensation for new officers has seen a significant boost, reflecting the city's investment in its law enforcement personnel.

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• Starting Salary (Probationary Officer): The 2025 starting salary for a Probationary Officer is set at a highly competitive $64,270.92 per year, with some sources indicating a base salary jump to $67,770.
• Full Pay During Training: Probationary Officers receive full pay while attending the 18-week basic session at the Southwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
• Equipment and Uniforms: All uniforms and necessary equipment are furnished during the officer’s first year of service.
• Clothing Allowance: Officers also receive a $1,600.00 per year clothing allowance.
• Open Positions: The department is actively looking to fill 23 officer positions, which will add to the current team of 289 law enforcement officers serving the Evansville area.

This robust compensation package, including educational bonuses and allowances, is part of a collective effort to attract and retain the best talent to serve the Evansville community.

High-Impact Community and Behavioral Health Initiatives

Under its current leadership, the EPD has prioritized several strategic initiatives that focus on community outreach, crime prevention, and addressing complex social issues like mental health and the opioid crisis. The department views its role as a partner with the citizens and other city agencies to address quality of life issues.

The E³ Initiative: Collaboration for Behavioral Health

One of the most innovative programs is the E³ Initiative, a powerful cross-sector collaboration designed to address behavioral health crises in the community.

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• Partners: The E³ Initiative is a joint effort between the Evansville Police Department, Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, and ECHO Housing Corporation.
• Mission: The program aims to provide a coordinated response to mental health and addiction issues, diverting individuals from the criminal justice system and connecting them with treatment, recovery, and support services.

Targeted Outreach and Engagement Programs

The EPD maintains several ongoing programs to build trust and transparency with the public.

• Community Academy: This program offers citizens an opportunity to learn about the men and women of the EPD, gaining insight into police decision-making and operations.
• Latino Outreach Program: Dedicated to partnering with the Latino community to increase public safety and ensure all citizens benefit from effective law enforcement.
• Safe Summer Initiatives: New programs like "Puppies and Police" were launched as part of city-wide efforts to engage and support youth during the summer months.
• Mounted Patrol Program: Managed by the Evansville Police Foundation, this program enhances public safety and actively builds bonds of trust in the community.
• Walking Initiatives: Officers regularly participate in "Walking Initiatives" in Downtown Evansville and other neighborhoods, taking steps to build trust through face-to-face interaction.

Specialized Divisions and Law Enforcement Entities

The Evansville Police Department is structured into several key divisions, each with specialized units to handle the complexities of modern law enforcement. The department’s commitment is to provide the highest standard of performance to every citizen of Evansville.

Patrol Division

As the backbone of the EPD, the Patrol Division is responsible for uniform patrol and community policing services. This division is highly diversified and includes several critical entities.

• K-9 Patrol: Essential for tracking, narcotics detection, and officer safety.
• Traffic Enforcement: Focused on ensuring road safety and investigating serious motor vehicle incidents.
• Hit and Run Investigations: A specialized unit dedicated to solving cases involving drivers who flee the scene of an accident.
• Bomb Squad: Highly trained personnel equipped to handle explosive devices and threats.
• Alarm Coordinator: Manages the city’s alarm ordinance and response protocols.

Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and Special Operations

The CID is tasked with the in-depth investigation of serious crimes, requiring specialized skills and resources.

• CID Focus Areas: The division investigates felony crimes, juvenile crimes, and narcotic offenses.
• Special Operations Section: This section consists of highly-trained personnel who utilize specialized weapons, vehicles, and equipment to respond to high-risk situations, ensuring the safety of officers and the public.
• Crime Prevention Unit: This unit is staffed by seven Crime Prevention Officers (CPO), a Sergeant, and a Community Engagement Coordinator, focusing on proactive strategies to reduce crime rates.

The EPD's Role in the 2025 Opioid Settlement Fund

In a major city-wide effort to combat the ongoing addiction crisis, Mayor Stephanie Terry announced the recipients of the City of Evansville’s 2025 Opioid Settlement Fund allocation.

A total of 26 local organizations will share in $1 million to enhance prevention, treatment, recovery, and support services for residents affected by the opioid epidemic. While the funding goes directly to treatment and support providers, the EPD plays a crucial, indirect role. The department’s participation in the E³ Initiative directly aligns with the fund’s goals, working to connect those struggling with addiction to the resources provided by the recipient organizations, thereby reducing drug-related crime and overdose incidents in the community. The City Council approved $640,000 in funding to support these critical efforts.

Staying Informed: Daily Activity and Transparency

The Evansville Police Department maintains a high level of transparency, providing the public with up-to-date information on daily law enforcement activities. The EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT is a key resource for residents to stay informed about incidents within the city. This commitment to open communication is a cornerstone of the department’s strategy to build a stronger, safer Evansville. The EPD also works closely with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office and the Indiana State Police to ensure comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the region.